Franklin school officials unsure if Sampson G. Smith will open next week

FRANKLIN TWP. — School district officials in Franklin Township are uncertain if students will be able to return next week to Sampson G. Smith Intermediate School, which sustained damage to its roof during Hurricane Sandy.

Teletha Brown, school board president, said the district is still learning how bad the damage is, and couldn't say if it would be ready for students when classes resume Monday.

"It's all a work in progress, unfortunately," Brown said.

Hurricane Sandy's powerful winds have disrupted school schedules across the state and damaged other school buildings in Somerset County.
A partial roof collapse at Watchung Hills Regional High School during the hurricane put classes in doubt as Watchung Hills district officials decide Sunday what to do next.

In Franklin Township, classes have been postponed until Monday because schools in the district still lack electricity. SAT testing on Saturday and all extracurricular activities this weekend were also cancelled.

Brown said district officials had hoped to resume classes this week, and she said it wasn't immediately certain if the layoff would add days to the end of the school year.

"We're really at the mercy of electricity," she said.

Public Service Electric & Gas reported that more than 10,000 customers in Franklin Township -- about one-sixth of the town -- lacked power this afternoon.

More than 50 roads in Franklin Township were also closed because of downed trees or wires, according to the township.